Chapter 18
Mousetrap
Motown
I’ve never met Reno Viale, but I know the power he wields in the Mafia families.
He’s one of four dons who have come together and reign over a great deal of territory.
He’s lethal, and so are his brothers, but he does it with class.
He looks like he stepped out of GQ magazine, and is as calm as could be, like this is just another walk in the park.
Reno came with Risk, and it’s clear that these two men have a history together. Risk is relaxed and even jokes with Reno. I’m sure there are very few men who could do that without having their throats slit.
Guard greets him with a warm handshake and a smile. Hawk is more guarded, and he should be, because a lot is riding on this meeting. Reno senses the tension in the room. He looks around, making eye contact with Hawk, then he extends his hand, waiting for Hawk to take it.
Reno says, “Risk speaks highly of you and your club. I speak freely because I believe that we need to start off on the right foot. I’m here as a favor to Risk, but also because I don’t like involving innocent people in drug smuggling.
It’s a thriving business, and I won’t lie and tell you otherwise, but knowing the score and agreeing to play by the rules is very different from conning a woman and taking over her livelihood. ”
Reno speaks matter-of-factly, and for that, he gets Hawk’s respect. Hawk says, “We just found out he’s threatening the older storefront owners with burning down their shops if they don’t comply. Bronson’s a piece of work.”
“I’ve done a little research of my own on Bronson.
He’s making other colleagues of mine very uncomfortable.
Bronson is dealing directly with the Bratva, and his suppliers will find themselves without product very soon.
Alessio and Raffaele will become very angry when they find out the Bratva is carrying product through their territories,” Reno says.
“This works in our favor because this man, Bronson, will quickly discover that he has nothing to sell.” Reno gives a smirk that would rattle any normal person.
Hawk takes a seat next to Reno. We all gather around, the Hawk turns to me. “Fill Reno in on what’s happening and quick. We have no idea when the call is coming.”
“Name’s Motown,” I say, introducing myself.
“Earlier today, we were able to get close enough to the hotel to see if we could find out where they were holding Logan. Demon came prepared, and we were able to spot Logan in a room on the third floor. He was by the window, and I saw him making gestures with his hand. He was signing.”
“He’s deaf?” Reno asks.
“No, but his sister was. He learned to communicate with her. I recognized it because I knew someone a long time ago and had learned some. He was sending a message. Logan is going to get one chance to make a call and set up a meet for tomorrow. I sent him my number. When he calls, we’ve got to be ready. ”
“How the hell did you give him your number?” Reno asks.
“Reflective light into his window. I flashed the light using Morse code for each digit. I just hope to God he got my message.” I breathe out heavily.
Drifter puts his hand on my shoulder. “You did good, brother. If it weren’t for you, Logan would be hanging in the wind.”
“Decker knows Logan best,” Hawk says and jerks his head to Decker. “Bronson’s not stupid. He’s going to verify you know him.” He turns to Decker. “Sit next to Reno. Pad and paper are right in front of you. Write fast, and Reno will respond.”
“Bronson might not—” Risk starts, but Hawk quickly counters.
“He will. He knows we’re on to him. The minute Bronson threw the firebomb close to the club, he knew it would be war.
He’s waiting for an attack, and Logan showing up will have him wondering if he’s being set up.
That’s why we have to get it right. Logan’s life might depend on it,” Hawk states firmly.
The minutes tick by. Then hours pass until my phone finally rings. I quickly set it on the table, leaving it for Reno to answer.
“Hello, Logan,” Reno answers.
Instantly, Reno’s brother Sebastian jumps in to assist. “Hell, Reno, is that Logan? Hey, man, good to hear from you.”
“Hey back, bro. I’d love to chat more, but I need a word with Reno about important business,” Logan answers calmly, catching the clue that Reno is his supplier contact.
“No sweat. Catch ya later,” Sebastian replies, and looks to Reno, who nods.
“What can I do for you, Logan?” Reno asks.
Then a familiar voice is heard: Bronson. “This is Bronson Sunderland. Logan tells me you’re the man I want to meet to solve a problem I’m having. I’m not a man who trusts easily, and I haven’t survived this long without checking people out.”
“Well, Mr. Sunderland, I’m also a suspicious man by nature, and I’ve never heard of you before.
However, Logan is a longtime colleague of mine, and I will give you the benefit of the doubt and allow you two questions.
I don’t have time for games, and I certainly don’t need your business,” Reno responds.
“Fine,” Bronson snaps, then asks, “Where did you and Logan first meet?”
Decker immediately writes out his answer, and Reno says it aloud with his own flair and personality. “Corner of Duncan and Silver. In a back alley. Not the best first impression, but Logan saved my life that night. Next.”
“How many men has Logan murdered?” Bronson asks.
Decker writes zero. Then underneath that, he adds forty-seven enemy soldiers during his stint in the army, and he hates guns.
“If you ask Logan, he’d say he hasn’t murdered anyone, but if you count the enemy soldiers he took out when in the army, it would be forty-seven. And since then, he has a dislike for firearms,” Reno answers smoothly. “Now, are we done talking about our past?”
“I’d like to buy product from you. It seems that my original suppliers are having trouble with shipments, and I need an alternative source. Logan says you’re the man to call and you can offer a decent price,” Bronson says.
“First, I want to see Logan. If you want to do business, then I suggest we meet in person. It’s dangerous and stupid to discuss such matters over the phone,” Reno says, priming Bronson for an in-person meeting.
“Agreed. But I need immediate results,” Bronson insists.
“Out of good faith, I’ll bring a sample, but payment is required up front. Logan better be there, because I don’t know you, but I trust him. Is that understood?” Reno demands.
“Understood,” Bronson replies, adding, “I’ll text you the location tomorrow, an hour before the meeting.” Bronson’s smart, and he’s anticipating that if this is a setup, we won’t be able to prepare an ambush in time.
“Hey, Reno, we’ve come a long way from that alley years ago, but I still remember the smell of fish from that damn restaurant. I remember you wanting to hurl every time we went by the place,” Logan says with a chuckle.
“Damn, to this day I hate the smell of fish,” Reno jokes. “Tomorrow night, Logan.”
“Thanks, man. Bronson is going to be a great client for us. We’ll all make a ton of money,” Logan says, continuing to play the game.
“We’ll toast to new business partners, then,” Reno answers.
“I’ll bring the scotch,” Bronson chimes in. “See you tomorrow.”
The call is disconnected. Hawk looks at Reno, then Guard, and finally around the room at the men standing with us. “It’s time to set a trap for a rat,” he says with a twist of his lips.